Rogers Fire Department pays tribute to veterans, first responders who died on 9/11

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Rogers Fire Department held a ceremony Wednesday morning to pay tribute to veterans and first responders who died on 9/11.

Right after the ceremony, Rogers FD jumped into action after getting a call. Throughout the day, Rogers firefighters plan out what their day looks like in between calls.

Dusty Qualls is the deputy fire chief for the Rogers Fire Department. Rogers Fire Department prepares for emergency situations all the time. “That could be a day of training. That could be a day of public services. That could be a day full of EMS calls. That could be a day of fire calls. Whatever that is, its very dynamic in nature. We prepare for that every day and that’s through training. That’s through training at the lunch table. That’s through everyday practice.”

John Vanatta is the deputy fire chief of the Rogers Fire Department. The Fire department understands what happened on 9/11. “That’s why we train. It hits very close to home for us”, said Vanatta.

As a veteran, Vanatta felt honored today, but the 9/11 ceremony isn’t just about the firefighters.
“We had the VFA out, Rogers Police Department and we tried to recognize everybody, not just the firefighters but also the people involved. The civilians, the police officers, the military personnel, the Pentagon and since then, trying to include all in one ceremony, so that we give ample recognition. Everybody deserves it,” said Vanatta.

Every firefighter EMT has a different schedule, preparing each individual for any situation. “You may be on the ambulance one day and the next day you may be on the fire company. So we try to prepare ourselves for all hazards. So these guys can do anything, and everything that it requires to get the job done,” said Qualls.

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